Nailing safe and simple sushi redistribution with Wasabi 🍱

Introduction to Wasabi

Wasabi Sushi & Bento is a much-loved Japanese food brand, serving freshly made sushi and hot bento meals across the UK. With food
made daily and a growing focus on sustainability, Wasabi set out to
reduce edible surplus even further by partnering with Olio to get
more good food into local communities.

The challenge

Wasabi’s biggest challenge was redistributing surplus food safely and consistently – especially sushi, which has strict temperature controls and a short shelf-life. Because sales remain high right up until closing, any surplus food collections also needed to happen late in the evening, without disrupting restaurant performance or in-restaurant discounting.

🎓 Learn more about our approach to food safety here

The solution

Through our Network Rail partnership, Olio worked closely with Wasabi to build a safe, operationally simple redistribution process for restaurants, including clear protocols for hot food temperature checks and safe sushi storage. Wasabi staff now check eligible hot items before handover, with additional documentation built into HACCP to support training, adoption, and consistency across restaurants.

Hear it from Wasabi and their restaurant teams:

“Partnering with Olio has been fab”

“This initiative not only helps the community
but also supports our sustainability goals.”

Sandip Garbuja
Branch Manager, Wasabi Kings Cross

“Helps us turn that commitment into action”

“At Wasabi, sustainability is a journey we’re
committed to progressing every day, and our
partnership with Olio helps us turn that
commitment into action.“

“By donating surplus food, we’re reducing
waste and ensuring that perfectly good
meals reach people in our local communities.
Together, we’re making a positive impact for
both people and the planet.”

Rosie Langley
Head of Talent and ESG, Wasabi

“The process couldn’t be
easier.”

“We’re proud to partner with Olio to ensure
that surplus food goes to those who need it
most. The process couldn’t be easier and the
incredible volunteers who collect the food
are the true heroes behind this initiative. Their
dedication ensures that good food never
goes to waste and instead supports a
fantastic cause. We’re delighted to play our
part in reducing food waste and helping local
communities.”

Gunhee Lee
Area Manager, Wasabi